Lufkin, Albert 1831-1907

LUFKIN, GRIFFIN, DERBYSHIRE, PARMENTER

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 6/28/2005 at 21:25:31

Albert Lufkin, who passed away at midday Thursday, June 27, was seventy-six years of age, having been born on a farm situated on Casco Bay, near Freeport, Maine, January 7, 1831. His parents were of English extraction. In that little village his parents were born and both buried there, together with all four of his grandparents and two of his great grandparents.

While still a pupil in the public school, Mr. Lufkin began the study of higher mathematics, and without a teacher mastered not only geometry and trigonometry, but also completed a course in navigation. He then entered North Yarmouth Academy, where he was a student several terms and where he also taught before he entered a school of engineering in Providence, Rhode Island. While studying there his teacher was called to Yale and Mr. Lufkin followed and there completed a course in engineering, but also one in scientific agriculture and a course in chemistry.

Leaving school his first work was assisting in compiling a map of New London County, Connecticut. About this time he was called to his home in Maine by the death of his brother, Will, by drowning.

Mr. Lufkin was then engaged as a topographer on the North Pennsylvania Railroad and made surveys and blue prints for a couple of branch roads in that state.

In the year 1855 he left the east, came to Jasper County, Iowa, and bought a farm in Richland Township. That fall he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Griffin, of Freeport, Maine.

Three years late he was elected county superintendent of this county and served two terms. When he first took up his duties in that office he moved to Newton.

At the end of his term of office he began a set of abstracts of titles of Jasper County. That set of books is now owned by H. B. Allfree. In the year 1869, Mr. Lufkin, in company with General James Wilson, established the Jasper County Bank, in which he was interested for over ten years.

While yet in the bank, he purchased an interest in the foundry and machine shop of James Edgar & Co., and with J. H. Lyday and James Dutot, continued that business some time under the head of Newton Machine Works. This establishment, which the later became sole proprietor, occupied the property now owned by the Parsons Band Cutter and Self Feeder Factory.

While still interested in these shops Rev. D. H. Hogan brought him a wooden model of a sewing machine and in an upstairs room in that barn at the present family residence, a workroom was fitted up and the first sewing machine built this side of the Mississippi River was made.

His wife died in 1880, and in 1881 Mr. Lufkin married Miss Fanny E. Derbyshire, of Kenosha, Wis.

Deceased was considered one of the best authentic authorities on general subjects, was deeply interested along scientific lines, and was never too busy to assist any one who asked his aid.

He traveled extensively, visiting nearly every state in the union and many parts of Canada. In his travels he collected a great many curios, some of them very rare ones. In these he took much pleasure, especially in his library, which was an exceptionally fine one. Among his collections of old books is one printed in 1527 and another in 1611.

He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in years past attended with great pleasure the annual meetings of the association.

Mr. Lufkin was a forceful man, strong in physique and strong in mind with capacity for a great intense mental concentration. For perhaps a year before his serious illness began his friends noticed that he was failing rapidly. And although urged to seek medical assistance, he was naturally so strong and vigorous that he insisted that all would be well in time and did not do so until June 3rd, form which time he was under the care of a physician continually.

He suffered with complications of liver and kidney troubles and rheumatism, at time suffering intensely, especially during the early days of his illness. At last growing weaker each day he gently slept away. During this time his mind was clear, although because of his weakness he did not grasp things quickly, and thought and spoke slowly.

In all the relations of life as a citizen, husband, father, friend, Mr. Lufkin was sincere and was an honorable man in the strictest sense.

Besides his wife he leaves three children, Mrs. Ralph Parmenter, A. K. and Herman Lufkin.

Yesterday afternoon many friends called at the home where the body lay in state from 3 to 5 o’clock.

At 10 o’clock this morning the funeral services were held at the residence on East Washington Street. Rev. A. B. Appleby, of the First Congregational Church, officiated. Solos were sung, “The Home of the Soul, and “Silently the Shades of Evening,” two old familiar hymns were sung by Mrs. T. M. Rodgers, Mrs. Chas. Dupree Smith sang, “O Blest in the Lord” from Elijah beautifully and very impressively. The interment was in the Newton Cemetery.

Newton (IA) Daily News, Saturday, June 29, 1907, p. 1, col. 3